Former Houston hand surgeon Michael Brown dies

Dr. Michael Brown, the Houston hand surgeon tycoon who fell from grace, is dead, according to an attorney connected to his divorce case.

Attorney David Brown confirmed Brown's death to Eyewitness News Friday morning. Brown had been in a coma at a Miami hospital for more than two weeks after cardiac arrest. David Brown has no relation to the Brown family.

Wednesday, the attorney for the man who was given Brown's medical power of attorney, said doctors in Miami were examining Brown to see if he had any remaining brain wave activity. The decision to remove Brown from life support was made Thursday night. He died after the devices keeping him alive were turned off.

It was an ending to several years of meltdowns from losing his medical license because of drug abuse to bankruptcy and a costing flight attendant's case earlier this year. That case was about to put him in jail for a month.

One person connected to Brown's legal cases said in late October, Brown overdosed on alcohol and hyrdrocodone. He was found in a closet, not breathing. On the floor was some $16,000 in cash.

A Miami police report listed Brown's death as a suicide.

"I observed in plain view a suicide note left by Mr. Brown located inside the master bedroom on top of one of his nightstands," an officer wrote in the police report.

The police report also says:

"Ms. Furman (Brown's girlfriend) states that Mr. Brown has been depressed and has been having suicidal thoughts for the last couple of months ... has mentioned in the past that since he is a doctor that he has access to all kinds of prescription pills.

"Ms. Furman stated today that Mr. Brown verbally expressed his desire of taking his life ... because of a divorce process that he is going (through), financial problems as he is facing bankruptcy, and that he was scheduled to report to the police authorities the next day."

Those involved with Brown, including one of his former attorneys, were not shocked by his death.

"Now his life was drama, drama and a little more drama. It's a cliche to suggest he's a better place but knowing Michael, and what he was looking at, I hope and pray he is in a better place," attorney Brian Wice said.

"For all his faults, he was a brilliant man and one of most generous men I ever knew. He loved his children and he will be missed," Houston attorney Dick Deguerin said in a prepared statement.

Brown may be gone, but the fight over what remains of his fortune goes on. His homes are being prepared for sale by order of a federal bankruptcy court.